Cutting Rectangular Holes In Sheet Metal

Use your center punch to strike at the center of the hole.

Cutting rectangular holes in sheet metal.

Create a raised edge in sheet metal that locks into the rolled edge of another piece. I don t mind a quick file to smooth sharp edges but to cut the whole hole with a file is too time consuming and labor intensive and not accurate. This will create dimples in the sheet. Be that as it may here is a neat idea from flyboy accessories for cutting larger holes in sheet metal.

Measure from the edges of the sheet metal to the point at which you wish to place the hole. A nibbler will do a nice job if you get one that can handle the thickness of your metal. It does this by rapidly punching many overlapping holes to make the larger cut profile. I guess i ve got holes on the brain lately as i am finishing up the hole wizard for the g wizard conversational cnc product.

You could also cut the hole with a jigsaw. Punches for the cutting of holes and profiles in sheet metal may come in many different shapes and sizes. You could use a square punch but it s a bit spendy. In response to a question about h.

Sheet metal hole flaring dies create flares around already cut holes in sheet metal up to 3 16 thick to make the edges stronger and more rigid. A machine called a nibbler uses a small straight punch to create the same geometric removal of sheet metal as that of a larger more complicated punch. Next use a compass to outline the edge of the hole. It s meant for creating lightening holes of the type seen when building aircraft or maybe just toolboxes and furniture that are built like wwii fighter planes.

Step 1 create a paper pattern of the size and shape of hole you wish to cut. Also known as chassis and panel punches they cut through sheet metal and have an automatic centering design for accurate alignment. Also known as dimple dies. Drill pilot holes slightly larger than the size of the stud.

Now it s time to use that center punch. Https amzn to 2ndf97w the best tin aviation snips. At first locate the center of the whole. Https amzn to 2kstzae sheet metal hammer.

Stud driven rectangular hole punches these punches make openings for a variety of panel switches and connectors. Https amzn to 2mkd0sj large screw driver.